So true DOJ. Most Thai women are looking for an ATM machine not a $500/mo cruiser. But on the plus side, quite a few are part Chinese which can really stretch that $500. Our neighbor is Thai-Chinese and always get the best price on things.

The secret is to get one in every port like the old timers did. Or the NFL,NBA,MLB, etc....

__________________Auto pilot is saying get up here and grab the tiller.

I think that if you are always searching for something you are not you cannot ever be happy. Indy, the OP I think knows what he has and is trying to be even more thrifty- got to admire him for it. I have a nice boat, $$ (not $$$$ but enough) and can fix my own boat, yet I prefer solo. Why? because I know what I am and OK with meeting the rest of you on dock or in harbor.

Problem in the Dominican Republic is there are too many choices of willing women. Here is an example - she works in the Luperon Puerto Blanco marina:

The DR just peaked my interest for some reason. On another note I will hope to contribute to this post in a more meaningful way come this spring/summer.

I just purchased a Pearson Ariel last week and will be bringing her down thru the chesapeake with an eventual goal of the Bahamas. I will be keeping a detailed list of my expenses along the way. I am on a limited set of funds and will need to make every cent count. The Ariel is in sail away condition just requiring a few cruising amenities to transition from a daysailer as the previous owner used the boat.

Er, I have a younger Thai Partner (not that Young). She wanted National Geographic lifestyle. That is what I have.

We will take the plunge in 18 months. We are buying the bits, if we get them tied on is another matter. LOL But go we shall. Got sick of doing it alone. Scared myself once to often. Was talking to myself too much infact I was starting to answer my self:-)

The DR just peaked my interest for some reason. On another note I will hope to contribute to this post in a more meaningful way come this spring/summer.

I just purchased a Pearson Ariel last week and will be bringing her down thru the chesapeake with an eventual goal of the Bahamas. I will be keeping a detailed list of my expenses along the way. I am on a limited set of funds and will need to make every cent count. The Ariel is in sail away condition just requiring a few cruising amenities to transition from a daysailer as the previous owner used the boat.

Total cost so far:
Boat $6000

One thing is sure: in the Bahamas the $500.- is not gonna get you far. Four cases of Kalik may be. You should seriously consider to stay in the FL keys or to continue to the DR or that very big island in between.

One thing is sure: in the Bahamas the $500.- is not gonna get you far. Four cases of Kalik may be. You should seriously consider to stay in the FL keys or to continue to the DR or that very big island in between.

ciao!
Nick.

the bahamas is not cheap but provision right before hand and the only thing you will need to buy is fresh fruits and vegatables... rice beans lentils, fish lobster conch... if you go hungry in the bahamas your doing something wrong

The maximum I can do is burning 8 liters diesel par day at 1,38/liter, my sister will ship me a container wine now and then; food will bring me down another 40-60 Euro a week and I eat twice daily.
Costs of maintainance, insurance and parts will be my main concern for the near future.
I am renewing all equipment and spent time looking for #new# 2nd hand equipment. Equipment bought on impulse but never used. I did that with my Zodiac Cadet and with a Mercury 3,5 it did set me back 750 euro for the whole package. Boat & outboard never been used. The people opened the package and closed it again, saving it for the boat they never bought.
Upholstery is another point. That one is not easy to get hold of.